How to Make a Plush Teddy Bear

Simple materials for a special teddy bear

Purchasing a teddy bear from the store is a sweet and touching gesture, but making your own teddy bear from home is a much more personal gift that will show the receiver how much you really care. Also, making your own allows you the opportunity to design the bear to your liking and style. You get to pick the color, shape, size and any accessories you would like to add. All it takes are some inexpensive materials and basic sewing skills.

Things You'll Need

• Sewing machine
• 1/2 yard fabric
• Polyfiber fill
• Needle and thread
• Buttons, ribbon, accessories

Instructions

Making your Teddy Bear

1. Sketch out the pattern you would like to create. If you are not comfortable drawing your own teddy bear, you can find many free teddy bear patterns online. Once you are comfortable with your design, cut it out and arrange it on your fabric. You will use this as a guide for cutting out your fabric pieces.

2. Pin your design pieces onto the fabric and cut out your fabric. If you want your bear to be as symmetrical as possible, simply fold your fabric over and cut out your pieces from both sides of fabric. This will give you two equal pieces that can easily be sewn together.

3. Sew your pieces together using your sewing machine, inside out, along the edges. Leave a small hole so that you can add your plush stuffing. Once you have finished sewing your pieces together, turn your bear right-side-out.

4. Fill your teddy bear pieces with polyfiber fill to your desired plushness. Overstuff your teddy bear, as they have the tendency to become lumpy and misshaped if they are not adequately stuffed.

5. Hand sew the holes shut to complete your bear. If desired, you can add buttons or fabric for eyes. You can also accessorize your bear with clothing, hats, toys and other accessories for a more personal touch.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Free Teddy Bear Patterns